Electrical Safety for Electric Vehicles

There is currently a trend towards energy-saving vehicles with electric or hybrid power. The number of initial approvals is massively on the rise, but the new technology also brings new risks in the event of an accident or an electric/electronic malfunction. Bender ground-fault monitoring devices monitor the complete electrical drive system of electric and hybrid vehicles in the car, offering effective protection against electric shock. These devices, known as isolation monitoring interrupters (IMIs), reduce fire risk and are a vital safety component. Bender’s ground fault protection and insulation monitoring devices ensure that electric and hybrid vehicles, from commercial trucks to racing cars, remain safe from electrical hazards like shock and fire.

For years, Bender has supplied IMIs to student racing teams to guarantee the electrical safety and proper operation of their pods used in racing competitions. The IR155 is the best-suited IMI for this task because of its small footprint and active measuring capabilities. The latter enables the IMI to measure the pod’s electrical integrity versus the frame before and during operation. Accurate information on potential electrical shorts is vital for sustaining the pod and its possible future passengers during operation. With IMD EV and insulation monitoring devices in place, electric vehicles are continuously monitored for insulation faults, ensuring the safety of both passengers and the vehicle’s electrical systems. Bender devices are superior to other technologies thanks to their accuracy in measuring resistance during various situations and circuits. The Bender IMI will monitor isolation from the battery, inverters, and converters, into the drive train under all load and temperature conditions.

Electric and hybrid power is increasingly used in utility vehicles (lorries, buses, forklift trucks) because it is more economical and efficient than conventional petrol or diesel engines. Bender insulation monitoring devices monitor the complete electrical drive system of electric and hybrid vehicles in the utility vehicle, offering effective protection against electric shock and minimizing fire risk. Bender’s ground fault protection and line isolation monitors work together to provide comprehensive safety for electric vehicle systems, ensuring proper function and preventing costly breakdowns.

Bender’s extensive engineering and research teams support the development of prototype platforms and projects. With in-house design, manufacturing, and test facilities, Bender can produce, trial, and approve customized solutions for new build vehicles and charging projects in accordance with customer specifications. Special projects such as racing cars, military vehicles, or vehicle upgrades can be supported with customized variants of existing technologies in finished products or sub-assemblies. By utilizing IMD EV technology alongside line isolation monitors, Bender enhances the safety of electric vehicles by detecting and isolating potential insulation faults during the charging and operation of EV systems.